Been a while since we’ve been somewhere new. Today we visited the north side of the Thames and when to Coalhouse Fort. It’s a pity the Fort itself is locked up as I know the heritage there would interest people, but a nice bit of a walk all the same.
OK after wet weather – yes
Parking fee – no
Toilets – yes
Café – yes
In the Archaeological Museum in Nicosia I came across this vase from the Mycenean Period, 1400-1100 BC:
We went to look at some fence posts that are at a side entrance to the church (a thirteenth century church believed to be the first one dedicated to St George in this country). To me they look as though they may have been used in a prehistoric stone circle at one time and moved into position. I didn’t go into the church although I usually do so may go back. We walked around the back of the village and round to the quaint high street.
We went out four days in a row, to new and familiar places. Here are a couple of photos from the festive period, in which Couscous shows off her new (green) and older (pink) jackets.
New blanket for Christmas
Hadleigh Castle – a ruin that is easily accessed. There appears to be a few walks nearby the property which we hope to investigate another time.
Xmas Day Hadleigh Castle
Xmas Day Hadleigh Castle
Xmas Day Hadleigh Castle
Xmas Day Hadleigh Castle
Chartwell again on Boxing Day
Teston Bridge Country Park – There is a path along the river that goes into Maidstone which would be worth a try in warmer/better weather (the river was swollen when we went). There is a huge field of grass with picnic tables so good for families and you are allowed to BBQ (byo).
Teston Bridge lock (day after Boxing Day)
Medieval Teston Bridge (day after Boxing Day)
St Margaret's near Teston (day after Boxing Day)
Swalecliffe coastline (day after the day after Boxing Day)
We returned to the Island again this morning. We walked round to the left and Couscous chased the boats on the Medway River. The drawbridge was down so we went across to Chatham Docks and had a coffee. There are some new restaurants since we were last here (years ago we came to see a movie and the area depressed me so we never returned). It seems to have changed for the better.
The Fortress, at Dover, can be walked around easily (once you enter through a small tunnel which you need to crouch to get through). The inner complex is open only one? weekend a year. Nearby is the Grand Shaft Staircase (also only opened once? a year) which enabled soldiers to get from the fortress to the port easily. An amazing structure with two cylinders encompassing three staircases. Dover Castle isn’t far and there are other heritages sites in the area.
Igtham Mote is a moated manor house. Built nearly 700 years ago, this house has been owned by Medieval knights, courtiers to Henry VIII and high society Victorians. It is now managed by the National Trust. The house is surrounded by gardens with an orchard, water features, lakes and woodland walks. Dogs are not allowed in the main property but there are three estate walks. You get a good view over Kent on the longer walk. The loo is accessible from the car park and the café might be as well.
We visited Standen today. It is a National Trust property, a family house built in the 1890s for the Beale family by architect Philip Webb, a close friend of William Morris. The Arts and Crafts Movement is obvious throughout the house. The gardens are open to dogs, except the kitchen garden as they use the produce in the cafe/restaurant. There is a woodland walk as well as those around the gardens.
We finally got across the river to visit Tilbury Fort. (Maybe next time we’ll take the ferry.) It’s described as one of the finest surviving 17th century forts in England. It’s an English Heritage site and dogs are allowed. The staff fussed over Couscous and she loved the grassy lawns so it was a success. There are good views of the surrounding marsh lands.
This is a nuclear bunker in Essex –Secret Nuclear Bunker. I emailed the owners and they kindly let us bring CC in. She whined a little at times but seemed to enjoy the smells. Very interesting stuff. Although the bunker was decommissioned in the early 1990s the feel is more 1970s or earlier – the digital equipment was removed at the end and most of what is on show is telephonic systems etc of an earlier time. There is no tour, you just take a hand held guide and walk yourself around. There is a café at the end and when no-one is there it is an honour system entry fee (£7 an adult). Also on the property are quad bike hire for kids, zip wire and paint ball type activities for children.
